Ken Pilot Ventures

🎙 New Podcast Alert -- Mickey Drexler: A Mensch and a Mentor at the Helm of Alex Mill This week on The Retail Pilot podcast, Ken Pilot interviews Millard 'Mickey' Drexler, Chair of Alex Mill. In addition to Mickey, we also hear from the Alex Mill team, including Ali Dillon (President), Alexander Drexler (Founder) and somsack sikhounmuong (Creative Director). This episode will give you insight into what is happening right now at Alex Mill including: 💡Recent successes in merchandising and management 💡Product focus with an emphasis on fit and quality 💡Retail strategy and a "less is more" approach 💡Preferred marketing channels 💡Expansion plans including a new store coming soon in NYC 💡The value of a strong, diverse team Listen here https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv or on your favorite podcast platform. Special thanks to our sponsor PredictSpring #retail #fashion #brand #leadership #podcast  

This week's flight of The Retail Pilot podcast features return guest, Simeon Siegel, CFA, Managing Director and Senior Retail Analyst at BMO Capital Markets. Ken Pilot and Simeon discuss the current state of the Retail sector, emphasizing the importance of execution in a challenging economic environment. Topics include: 💡Current Retail Climate 💡Luxury Market Trends 💡Consumer Health 💡Technology Investments 💡Winners in Retail Listen here https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv or wherever you get your podcasts. And special thanks to our sponsors Bluecore and PredictSpring. #podcast #retailindustry #consumerhealth #luxury #technology #fashion

🚀 New Episode of The Retail Pilot Podcast: Tech Talk with Vic Drabicky and Josh Krepon! 🎧 This week, we dive into the future of digital marketing with January Digital's Founder & CEO, Vic Drabicky, and Josh Krepon, President of US DTC & Global Digital at Steve Madden. 🎙️ Join Ken Pilot as they explore the latest strategies in: ✅ Content Creation & Media Placement ✅ Brand Collaborations & Influencer Marketing ✅ Loyalty Programs ✅ Data Management for Retail Gain insider perspectives from both a leading digital agency and a powerhouse brand! 👉 Tune in now: https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv or wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our sponsors: Bluecore and PredictSpring #RetailPodcast #DigitalMarketing #Ecommerce #BrandStrategy #InfluencerMarketing #CustomerLoyalty #DataManagement #RetailTransformation #SteveMadden #JanuaryDigital

🚀 🎙 New Podcast Alert - Soft Threads, Bold Moves: Mike Natenshon's Journey as the Founder of Marine Layer 🚀 🎙 In this week's flight of The Retail Pilot podcast, Ken Pilot explores Michael Natenshon's insights on building Marine Layer, a brand that has redefined casual comfort with its buttery-soft apparel and laid-back vibe. The California-inspired lifestyle brand boasts over 45 retail locations and a commitment to sustainability. Ken and Mike discuss: 🌊 The focus on unique fabric blends that define Marine Layer's products 🌊 The challenges of adapting to market trends while maintaining brand authenticity 🌊 The importance of creating an emotional connection with customers 🌊 The success of the Re-Spun initiative which allows customers to recycle ALL their old clothes Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv or on your favorite podcast platform, and please remember to give us a review. #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Sustainability #MarineLayer #MikeNatenshon #StartupJourney #FashionIndustry #NewEpisode

This week, we are looking back at Ken Pilot's 2023 interview with Andy Dunn on The Retail Pilot podcast. Join us as we dive into Andy's entrepreneurial journey with the founding of Bonobos and his memoir, Burn Rate. In this episode, Andy shares his insights on building a successful startup, the challenges of mental health in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from his experiences. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in the intersection of business and personal growth, this conversation promises to be both enlightening and inspiring. Tune in to hear Andy's candid reflections on ambition, resilience, and the realities of startup life. Listen here https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv or wherever you get your podcasts. #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #AndyDunn #Bonobos #BurnRate

🚀 From Gilt to Glamsquad: How Alexandra Wilkis Wilson Built Unicorns and Invested in Talent We’re excited to share the latest episode of The Retail Pilot podcast, featuring an insightful interview with Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Clerisy, a growth equity fund. Previously a driving force behind Gilt (now Rue Gilt Groupe) and GLAMSQUAD, Alexandra has been instrumental in building brands that achieved unicorn status. In this episode, Alexandra dives into her journey of creating and scaling successful companies, sharing key lessons in leadership, team motivation, and the art of giving and receiving feedback. She also talks about her hands-on approach at Clerisy, where she actively partners with portfolio companies, drawing on mentorship from industry leaders such as friend of The Retail Pilot, Mindy Grossman. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv, or find The Retail Pilot wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our sponsors: January Digital, PredictSpring, and Bluecore #unicorn #femalefounder #podcast #fashion #investor #brandbuilder

🚀 Exciting News! We're thrilled to introduce our latest "Tech Talk" episode on The Retail Pilot podcast! 🎙️ This time, we're featuring a dynamic conversation with Joe Yakuel, Co-Founder & CEO of Brkfst.io, along with three industry leaders: Soumya Sriraman from QVC & HSN, Stephen Simonis Jr. from Beard Club, and Cezanne Huq from HelloFresh. Brkfst.io is revolutionizing User Generated Content (#UGC) for brands aiming to enhance their authentic social marketing strategies. Tune in to discover: 🎥 The critical role of video content in shaping your brand's strategy 🛠️ The Brkfst.io journey—from brief to selecting impactful content 🌟 Diverse perspectives on content strategy from industry leaders 📈 The impressive results clients are achieving with Brkfst.io Don’t miss this insightful episode packed with actionable takeaways for your brand’s growth! 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv or on your favorite podcast platform. #TechTalk #Podcast #Brkfstio #UGC #VideoMarketing #ContentStrategy #SocialMarketing #BrandGrowth

🚀 New Podcast Alert 🚀 👓 Framing Success: Tim Parr on Building CADDIS, the Anti Anti-Aging (Eyewear) Brand 👓 On this week's flight of The Retail Pilot podcast, Ken Pilot speaks with Tim Parr, the visionary CEO and Founder of Caddis, a groundbreaking eyewear brand that's redefining aging in style. With a mission to empower individuals to embrace their age confidently, CADDIS is at the forefront of the anti-anti-aging movement. Tim's impressive career spans entrepreneurship and leadership roles at iconic brands like Patagonia, LL Bean, and Filson shaping his unique approach to brand building and consumer engagement. In this episode, Tim shares insights on: ✈ The philosophy behind "owning your age" and its impact on brand identity ✈The value of mentorship to provide valuable guidance and support in building a business ✈The intersection of entrepreneurship, design, and social change ✈What he would be doing if he weren't doing what he's currently doing Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv or on your favorite podcast platform. And be sure to pay attention to a special discount offer on your next CADDIS purchase exclusively for our listeners. Thank you to our sponsors: January Digital, PredictSpring, Narvar and Bluecore #Eyewear #AgePositive #BrandInnovation #RetailEntrepreneurship #CADDISEyewear

🚀 New Episode Alert: The Retail Pilot Podcast 🚀 This week's flight features retail superstar Janet Hayes, CEO of Crate and Barrel Holdings. Janet’s illustrious retail career began on the Macy's’s floor and continued through runs at Gap, Nike, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., and now Crate & Barrel. 🎧 Listen to this episode where Janet discusses: ✈ Her path to Crate & Barrel Holdings ✈ The strategy behind retail store growth in the US and internationally ✈ The importance of customer experience ✈ How new technology investments, like those from our partner PredictSpring, will propel the brand forward ✈ Collaborations that keep the brand and product fresh 📌 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv or on your favorite podcast platform. 🙏 Thank you to our sponsors: January Digital, PredictSpring, Narvar, and Bluecore. #RetailPodcast #RetailInnovation #CustomerExperience #RetailGrowth #CrateAndBarrel #JanetHayes #PredictSpring #RetailStrategy #TechInRetail #RetailLeadership

This week, we're revisiting our conversation with Ryan Babenzien, Founder & CEO of Jolie. 🌟 Ryan, who previously founded GREATS and successfully sold it to Steve Madden after 5 years, has now created Jolie—a subscription-based business offering filtered shower heads designed to improve hair, skin, and overall well-being. 🚿✨ In this episode, Ryan shares his entrepreneurial journey and how Jolie leveraged user-generated content to achieve profitability within the first 6 months. 📈💡 🔗 Learn more about Ryan’s journey and Jolie's success here: https://lnkd.in/eR4nbTSv or find us on your favorite podcast platform. A big thank you to our sponsors: Narvar, January Digital, Bluecore, and PredictSpring. #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Skincare #Jolie #StartupSuccess #FilteredShowerheads #UserGeneratedContent #Profitability #TheRetailPilot